Midnight || Sirus Black

chapter 7

The atmosphere at Hogwarts felt different after the chaos of the engagement party. As Esther entered the Great Hall, the familiar sights and sounds of her school life surrounded her. The chatter of students filled the air, but beneath the surface, she felt a sense of disconnection. The echoes of her recent choices weighed heavily on her, intertwining with the memories of the Dark Lord's presence.

Seated at the Slytherin table, she spotted Emilia Nott, her closest confidante since their first year. Emilia's dark hair framed her face, and her sharp green eyes sparkled with curiosity. As Esther slid into the seat beside her, Emilia leaned in, her voice low and animated.

"Esther! You're back! Tell me everything about the engagement party! I've heard whispers—was it as extravagant as they say?" Emilia's excitement was palpable, but Esther felt a knot in her stomach.

"It was... eventful," Esther replied, forcing a smile. "You know how these gatherings are."

"Eventful? Come on! You can't just leave it at that!" Emilia pressed, her eyes widening. "I heard the Dark Lord made an appearance. How did it feel to have him there?"

Esther hesitated, memories flooding back of the tension in the room, the way the air had thickened when he spoke. "It was intimidating, to say the least. Everyone felt the pressure. It's like he commands the room just by being in it."

Emilia frowned. "I can't imagine. And what about Sirius? Wasn't he there? I mean, it's not every day you get engaged to a Black. Was he... We can still run away."

The mention of Sirius sent a rush of conflicting emotions through her. "He was... frustrated," Esther said, her voice dropping as she recalled their heated conversation. "He kept pushing me to reconsider everything—to fight against our family's expectations."

"Fight? That sounds very unlike him," Emilia remarked, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, I thought the Blacks were all about loyalty and family honor."

"They are," Esther replied, a sense of urgency creeping into her tone. "But Sirius... he wants to break free from all that. He thinks I should, too. It's complicated."

"Complicated? Or just plain reckless?" Emilia shot back, her expression serious. "You know that siding with him could bring consequences. The Blacks don't take betrayal lightly."

"I'm not betraying anyone," Esther insisted, her voice firm. "I'm just trying to navigate this new reality. My family has expectations, and I can't just throw them away."

"But are those expectations what you truly want?" Emilia challenged, leaning closer. "You've changed, Esther. I can see it. You're more determined, but you're also more... constrained."

Esther bit her lip, the weight of her choices pressing down on her. "I have to be loyal to my family. They've always been there for me. The Malfoys have a legacy to uphold."

"Legacy? Or a prison?" Emilia countered, her voice softening. "I just don't want to see you become someone you're not. I care about you, and I'm worried about how deeply you're getting entangled in this."

Esther took a deep breath, looking around the bustling Great Hall. "I know what I'm doing. I'm part of this world now. The Death Eaters... they have power, and if I want to protect myself and my family, I need to align with them."

Emilia's expression shifted, a mix of concern and frustration. "But at what cost? What happens if you lose sight of yourself in the process?"

Before Esther could respond, the chatter of the hall quieted, and the headmaster's voice rang out, calling for attention. She turned her gaze away from Emilia, focusing on the staff table, where Professor McGonagall was making an announcement.